How do you cure writers block?

[AcacianLeaves]

There is no such thing as writer's block, only writer's cowardice. You can be distracted, you can be afraid that your ideas won't be good enough, you can be afraid to put things on the paper - but there is nothing stopping you from writing other than your own fear.

Stop browsing other websites, stop making silly posts on forums ABOUT your inability to write, just sit down and write something. Writer's block is an excuse, not an actual problem.

I say this because I've experienced it before. I know it's being a little harsh and I hope I don't offend you, but I think if you're honest with yourself you'll agree with me.

 

[floppylobster]

There are two cures -

(1) Research. It doesn?t have to be about what you're writing but it should be in some way tangentially related.
(2) Walking while thinking.

 

[Slash Dementia]

What helps me is just laying down and thinking. Not thinking about writing, but about anything else.
Or put on some music and read a fantasy book.

Also, don't think about whether what you're writing sounds stupid, just write and when you have quite a bit; go back and edit. You can have that same plot, but better.

Edit: When I was younger, it used to help when I had my Lord of the Rings toys. You just play and create your own little story. After you get your idea; head over to your computer or notebook.

 

[Optional Opinion]

Ecstasy, your lvl 5 assassin vampire werewolf gnome may turn into a purple unicorn but you could sure write about it.

Failing that, sleep or read other material, listen to conversations or blur a real life event.

Just don't make another Charlie The Unicorn.

 

[mmmurple]

I've had writers block for the past 2 years. I was published in magazines and an anthology. Today my writing is limited to forum posts.

Reading other peoples work helps me to feel more inspired. Phillip K Dick is a good author.

 

[Plurralbles]

wait till the last moment. Forcing yourself to write gibberish can get you out of it.

Works for me.

 

[Eliam_Dar]

Traveling, I am currently blocked and I am going to travel in a few days, previous experiences have shown me that it helps a lot.

 

[SuperUberBob]

Free writing.

Open up Notepad and write about anything that comes to your mind no matter how stupid it may be. Do this for an hour. Don't check for grammar or spelling or anything. Just write it and something will pop up.

 

[Trifixion]

I usually go do something else totally unassociated with writing for a while. Then when I get deeply involved with whatever that is, I usually find my writing inspiration returns out of nowhere. Which is a bit of a pain in the ass, because then I have to interrupt whatever new thing I was doing to go back to writing.

 

[ChocoFace]

Right now I am suffering from my worst case of writers' block ever. This is frustrating as i'm a keen RPer here on the escapist. I just can't think of ANYTHNG. Oh and if somehow I get any remote thought, it's crushed by a thing.... something funny. I don't know.

Does anyone know a cure for this? And how do you cure your own? Etc

I would have written a better and more interesting OP but evidently, I have writers block :S

I usually take some time off and clear my mind, do something else. After a while i'm all fresh and ready to write again.

 

[Julianking93]

For me, it usually just goes away after a while

 

[SmartIdiot]

Look over your old work, drink a few coffees/red bulls/some other energy drink. Maybe you'll be able to jolt yourself out of it. Or simply wait... which isn't recommended.

 

[GodKlown]

I say that if you distract yourself and take your mind off it for a while, that might help. Just walk away from it, do your best not to think about it, and invest your interest in something else for a while. If that doesn't work when you return, then scrap it. Obviously if it is that hard to concentrate and develop an idea, it most likely won't work out if you attempt to stick to it.
Waiting, while not recommended because you will lose the enthusiasm and interest you had in the project, isn't always such a bad idea. Some things just take time to take shape. The pyramids weren't built in a day, most inventions weren't created in a day, so why do you assume that a good idea won't take time?
As a comedy writer and audio producer, I need to constantly create new ideas every week. There are plenty of times that I just had nothing to go on, but work still calls. So you spit out something crappy that gets the job done, and you are unsatisfied with it. So what? You'd be surprised how sometimes a good idea can come from a crappy one. Remember, psyclobin mushrooms grow out of cow crap, so every turd has potential. Maybe sit around and just write down any idea that you get until you have a list of 10-20 things. Review the list and whittle down the losers until you can get to a few good solid ideas and expand on the themes. Either way, good luck.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

Marijuana

Take a break, collect your thoughts. This is my best advice besides the Herb.

 

[Quad08]

I read a book or watch a movie. Something to get me thinking

 

[GreyWolf257]

Have something to drink (hot tea works for me) and something to snack on (you know: "brain food").